Do I Need Travel Insurance For Greece?

Greece is such a beautiful country that to list all of the places to visit would be close to impossible. From rugged snow-capped mountains in the north to the ancient ruins in Athens to its islands with their turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and raucous nightlife, Greece can satisfy every traveler’s needs. 

Whether you want to take in millennia of history on the Acropolis, visit the beauty of Santorini, or even make a pilgrimage to one of Greece’s picturesque Orthodox monasteries - it’s a country that has everything - as you’d expect from the cradle of civilization. 

If you are traveling to Greece, AXA’s Schengen travel insurance offers extensive protection - as it can cover medical expenses up to €100,000 in Greece and other Schengen Area countries. It also allows you to obtain the travel insurance certificate required with your visa application. 

What does AXA Schengen travel insurance for Greece cover?

Starting at €33 per week (approx. US$ 35) of your trip, our Schengen Travel insurance covers

• Up to €100,000 coverage in medical expenses 
• Medical repatriation & transport 
• 24/7 medical assistance in English or French in case of urgency
• Up to 180 days of coverage
• All Schengen and European Union countries as well as the United Kingdom (depending on the chosen insurance)
• Insurance certificate issued immediately and approved by the embassies
• No age limit
• Zero deductible - which will allow you to avoid some upfront and early costs with your claim

Is travel insurance required for Greece?

If you need a Schengen Visa for Greece, travel insurance is mandatory. If you don’t need a visa, travel insurance is optional but strongly recommended as medical costs can be high for foreigners, especially as you will need to pay for any prescriptions.

Do you cover emergency medical costs related to coronavirus? 

We will cover your medical costs related to coronavirus provided you haven't traveled against World Health Organization advice, personal medical advice from your doctor, or any other government body’s advice in your home country or the country you are traveling to. Emergency and additional travel costs are also covered providing you have stuck to this advice. 

All issued electronic certificates purchased on the axa-schengen site include this disclaimer: “Medical fees related to COVID-19 are covered in the terms, conditions & exclusions established in the insurance policy”. This will satisfy any embassy rules that state you must get an insurance certificate with Covid protection. 

Will AXA Schengen travel insurance be accepted with my Greece visa application?

Yes! For over a decade, AXA has been delivering insurance certificates that meet Schengen countries’ requirements to obtain a visa. All you need to do is print the electronic form of the health insurance certificate and enclose it with your visa application. Each AXA Schengen insurance certificate is individualized and bears a number that is verifiable on our website.

What are the requirements for travel insurance for my Greece visa?

To obtain a Schengen Visa to Greece your insurance must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum coverage for at least €30,000 in medical expenses
• It should cover all member states of the Schengen Area
• It should cover any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons.

I don’t need a Schengen Visa to visit Greece - can I still purchase your insurance to cover my possible health expenses?

As the saying goes "Better safe than sorry". Even though Schengen travel insurance is not mandatory for some travelers, that doesn’t mean you won’t be injured or get ill. A broken wrist or nasty infection can happen to anyone! We thus strongly recommend that you subscribe to our insurance for travelers visiting Europe to make sure your trip is as safe and peaceful as possible.

What are the main advantages of AXA Schengen insurance?

1. Compliant with European requirements for Schengen Visa. 10 years of existence
2. Immediate coverage. Your insurance covers you from the first day you need it
3. No age restriction, zero deductible
4. No price variation because of nationality or age
5. Refund if your Schengen Visa application is denied

Why should you trust us?

• Medical files processed by AXA Schengen in 2021: 2292
• Medical calls processed by our agents in 2021: 3845

Which insurance plans to consider?

What should I do if I am injured or ill while in Greece?

Don’t worry - AXA’s Schengen insurance is here to guide, help, and protect you. In case of a medical emergency, you must contact the AXA Schengen call center at the number provided on your insurance policy. Medical assistance professionals will answer your questions and advise you 24/7 to help you find the medical center best suited to your situation and the closest to your location.

The following information must be given to the call center:

• The number of your policy, which begins with “SCH”.
• The address and telephone number at which you can be reached and the details of the people that can be contacted locally.
• The dossier number, which is communicated at the time of the first call.

IMPORTANT: Remember to always keep bills/ invoices and enclose them with your file.

What should I know when preparing for my trip to Greece?

Security: Greece is generally a safe country, but the theft of passports, wallets, and handbags can happen on the metro and in crowded tourist places, particularly in central Athens. Leave valuables in a safe place at your hotel or apartment and carry a photocopy of your passport with you. Personal attacks, including sexual assault and rape, are generally rare in Greece but are more common in some holiday resorts frequented by young partygoers engaging in excessive drinking. Drinks served in bars in island resorts can be stronger than branded drinks - so be careful when out on the town. 

Public transport: Major Greek cities are connected to each other by a thick network of scheduled intercity buses (KTEL). Trains are also a wonderful way to get around Greece with the Athens-Thessaloniki line, a particularly beautiful trip, taking 4 and a half hours on a high-speed train. The route from Drama to Xanthi is also one of the most beautiful in Europe, following the course of the Nestos River. A popular means of transportation from Athens to the Greek islands is by ferry. It is often the easiest way even if many flights are available to reach the islands.

Opening hours: Shops are usually open around 9.00 am and close around 1.30 or 2.00 pm Monday to Saturday. On Tuesday, Thursday and Friday they are also open from around 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm. Many are always closed on Sundays and holidays.

Driving license: Most countries’ licenses are valid in Greece, but if your state does not fall into the Vienna Convention, in order to be able to drive in Greece, you must hold a valid international driving license. In order to be valid, an international driving license must be accompanied by your current national driving license.

Restaurants: You may be stunned by how late dinner time is in Greece. As a hot Mediterranean country, Greeks often take their evening meal very late and many eateries open until past midnight. Traditionally, dinner is served at around 8-9 pm - so this may be the busiest time.

Visa: Although many countries have visa-free travel with Greece and the Schengen Area, if you think you do need a visa to Greece you can find out more, here.